The advice you need to hear before moving in with a partner

The Married at First Sight newlyweds are about to embark on a challenge almost every long-term couple has experienced at some point: moving in together.

Though the speed with which these particular couples have reached this milestone is a liiiiiiittle unusual, certain aspects of merging two lives under one ceiling for the first time will always be the same.

Like the process of consolidating your belongings, and deciding whose couch gets left on the curb for council pickup while the other gets pride of place in the new lounge room.

Or negotiating the placement of artworks/kitchen utensils/throw pillows, and reaching a truce in the age-old debate over whether tomato sauce should be kept in the fridge or the pantry. (Hint: it's the pantry. Always the pantry.)

Household administration aside, the big move also gives you backstage access to all your partner's daily habits—and no, you're not going to like all of them.

While this certainly makes for great television (MAFS is sure to deliver in this department), in reality it can bring a whole lot of awkwardness and discomfort, especially when your expectations aren't matched.

Psychologist Mel Schilling says there are a few simple steps that can help you determine which of your partner's habits are deal breakers, and which you can negotiate on.

"If your partner is behaving in a way that clashes with your core values, this is something to address and really take quite seriously," she advises.

Moving in together inevitably involves a little negotiation. (Pexels)

"For example, if health is one of your highest values, and you find your partner is spending all their time lying on the lounge eating junk food, this is something that's really going to affect you to the core."

Another common example is cleanliness around the house. If you watched MAFS last year, you might recall this very issue drove a wedge between Nasser and his 'wife' Gab, whose cleaning habits were... well, let's just say they were slightly more laissez-faire than his.

"It's important that you can address this with your partner, let them know why it's important to you, and have a discussion about what can change," Schilling says.

Time will tell whether this year's MAFS couples can go the distance while living under one roof.